There are no perfect marriages or perfect spouses. We know having a good marriage requires effort and hard work. Yet we often don’t know how to continue to love when we are angry, hurt, scared, or just plain irritated. Nor are we sure what that kind of love is supposed to look like. Should we be patient? Forgive and forget? Do something else entirely? In this book, you’ll find the answers to these questions, differences, and sins of your spouse to help you become more like Christ. Acting right when your spouse acts wrong will not necessarily result in a more satisfying marital relationship, nor will it automatically make your spouse change his or her ways – although both could occur. It will, however, teach you to respond wisely when wronged and lead you into a deeper relationship with Christ as you yield your will to his plan for your life and learn to be more like him.
In My Opinion
I like reading books like this and picking up bits and pieces of information I can apply in my own life. I am not saying here that my husband is doing wrong – or that I am doing wrong and he is standing behind me pointing at me hoping I don’t see. BUT the beauty of a book like this is I think any marriage can benefit from it. There is a little something for everyone (as I turn and make sure that Al is not standing behind me and pointing).
Reading through this book there is a theme of not only committing to your marriage but committing to your spouse. Through chapters and topics such as Stop Reacting and Start Responding and Recognize Your Power To Choose, author Leslie Vernick brings scripture as a reminder that how we treat one another as husband and wife is all part of God’s plan and in His words.
Choose To LOVE …. Rather than hate
Choose to SMILE… Rather than frown
Choose to BUILD… Rather than destroy
Choose to PERSEVERE… Rather than quit
Choose to PRAISE… Rather than gossip
Choose to HEAL… rather than wound
Choose to GIVE… rather than grasp
Choose to ACT… rather than delay
Choose to FORGIVE… rather than curse
Choose to PRAY… rather than despair
* CHOICES: ‘Our choices reveal what we love the most, what we fear, what is of ultimate value to us, and what we think we need in life–in other words, our choices expose the dominant desires of our heart.’
While you (and I ) may look at these choices and think of course, these are no brainers…. look at them again. How often do we (I) tend to forget that how I act, how I respond to any and all situations is a choice. A God given choice. I have often reminded myself that each hard situation we go through, every obstacle in our lives is a chance to grow to learn. I like to look at this life as a training ground for whats to come and Leslie Vernick brings God’s word through this book as reminder to use the tools that we naturally have, but sometimes forget we do.
About Leslie Vernick
Author Leslie Vernick is a licensed clinical social worker who has her own private counseling practice and more than twenty years of experience counseling individuals and families from a biblical world view. She is also a popular speaker for women’s groups, couple’s retreats and professional seminars.
This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.
Coffee Cup and I are enjoying Kona Coconut Rum Latte coffee this morning. 
How much fun is this? They sent a wonderful 2010 Hawaii calendar, coconut Creme Latte Coffee (which is so in my cup this morning – uh…. YUM!) , turtle luggage tag (I never need an excuse to travel!), a book mark, post its, super cute foot notes and this book that themes with everything: Poisoned Palms byDorothea Buckingham. 
AND…. did you check out the really sweet card they sent along? Thank you to Missy and Alex – you made my day! I now have a new blog to check out and HELLOOOOO – it’s in Hawaii!!!! 🙂 Stop by their blog and check them out!
Book Journey 